Boxing Day is a traditional holiday that is celebrated in several countries, primarily in the Commonwealth nations. The exact origins of Boxing Day are not definitively established, and its history has evolved over time with various cultural influences. There are several theories about the origin of Boxing Day, and it is likely that the holiday has multiple roots.
1. Alms Boxes for the Poor[1]: One popular theory suggests that Boxing Day has its origins in medieval England. Churches would often place a box in which parishioners would deposit coins for the poor during the Christmas season. On the day after Christmas, these boxes would be opened, and the contents distributed among the less fortunate. This act of charity and giving to those in need is believed to be the origin of the term "Boxing Day."
2. Servants and the Gentry[2]: Another theory links Boxing Day to the tradition of giving boxes of food, money, or other goods to servants and tradespeople. In the 17th and 18th centuries, employers would give their servants the day off on 26th December and provide them with boxes containing leftovers from the Christmas feast, as well as gifts and bonuses. This practice was a way of expressing gratitude to those who worked hard to make Christmas celebrations possible.
3. St. Stephen's Day[3][4]: In some countries, Boxing Day is associated with the Feast of St. Stephen, who was the first Christian martyr. St. Stephen's Day falls on 26th December, and in Ireland, for example, the day is also known as "Wren Day." Traditionally, boys would dress up in masks and go from house to house, collecting money for charity.
4. Sporting Traditions: In Australia, it is often a day for major sporting events, the Boxing Day Test[5], a cricket match, where Australia plays an opposing touring national team as part of an Ashes series[6]. And the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race[7] is a must to follow! Whether you are watching the start of the race from various vantage points around Sydney Harbour or from the luxury of your living room, following the yachts navigate the crowds of smaller craft as they sail out of the majestical Sydney Harbour is very exciting. And being on the dock, in Hobart to greet the arriving yachts, over the following days, is also a treat.
Today, Boxing Day is widely recognized as a public holiday in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Australia, it is often a day for major sporting events, shopping sales, and spending time with family and friends, where you feast on the left-over food from Christmas Day. While the exact traditions and customs associated with Boxing Day may vary from one region to another, the common theme revolves around acts of generosity, charity, and relaxation following the festive Christmas celebrations.